Maha govt to bear swine flu treatment cost: CM

With swine flu increasing in alarming proportions in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said all hospitals have been directed to provide free treatment to patients under its "Mission Mode" to contain the epidemic.
Swine flu today claimed 12 more lives in Maharashtra, taking the death toll to 143, an official statement of state Health ministry said.
"The government is working on a "Mission mode" with regards to swine flu. We have informed private hospitals to immediately admit patients who bear symptoms of swine flu. Entire cost of treatment (of H1N1 patients) at all hospitals (private and district) will be borne by the state government," Fadnavis, told PTI.

He said even the cost of treatment that patients bear post-discharge will be borne by the government and assured patients of full support.
Fadnavis said the number of cases from cities like Pune and Nagpur is decreasing but a new "threat" is emerging from Latur region.
"Fresh spate of untimely rains that Mumbai and other parts witnessed is a worrying factor for us because the dip in temperatures may aggravate the spread of the virus. The next 15 days remain a challenge for us. The chief secretary and the health minister are personally monitoring the situation. We are trying to raise awareness among the people," he said.

Meanwhile, opposition Congress, attacking the BJP government has demanded the immediate resignation of state health minister.
Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil termed the present situation as "failure of the government" and said the health minister should immediately step down owning moral responsibility of the epidemic.